Manchester United LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Club has expressed its disappointment in the players’ decision not to wear specially-created rainbow jackets prior to Sunday’s game against Everton.
The Athletic reported this morning that United’s players opted against the move after Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui, who is Muslim, said he would not wear the jacket on religious grounds.
To avoid Mazraoui being singled out for criticism, the other members of the squad followed his lead, although the Athletic reported not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.
A statement from Rainbow Devils following the @AdamCrafton_ article in @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/zSoBBdydEm
— Rainbow Devils (@RainbowDevils) December 4, 2024
The Rainbow Devils, who worked with the club in helping promote the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces initiatives over the weekend, said in a statement: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and had great support from – Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team.
“This has included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to a Q&A with two Men’s first team players, to supportive messages from many Men and Women first team players [including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes]. Even a pitchside event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the Everton game.
“On this latter occasion, which was United’s official Rainbow Laces game, the players were due to wear specially designed jackets pre-match to mark the occasion. Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.
“This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event. We are aware of who the player concerned is, but we feel it isn’t our role to single him out, and risk spoiling all the other positive things that the majority of those at the club have done.”
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Stance may have a greater impact
The Rainbow Devils also said the players’ stance could prevent a colleague from coming out.
The statement added: “We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets. We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.
“Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.”
💬 “Always have a smile on your face.”@HarryMaguire93 imparts advice for future generations in his recent interview with @RainbowDevils 👇#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2024
This year’s Rainbow Laces campaign has attracted more pushback than in previous years.
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy refused to wear the rainbow armband on religious grounds while Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi was reprimanded by the Football Association for writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his.
In a statement to The Athletic, United said they were “strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion,” but that “players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”
Proud to support the @PremierLeague‘s #RainbowLaces campaign ❤️🏳️🌈#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/x2R4DzxdG3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Mazraoui rebuked by Bayern fans
It is not the first time Mazraoui has taken this stance on initiatives around the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2023, the defender showed support for Morocco team-mate Zakaria Aboukhlal after he refused to take part in the Ligue 1 equivalent of the Rainbow Laces campaign while playing for Toulouse.
Mazraoui received criticism from fans of his then club Bayern Munich, who displayed a banner that read: “All colours are beautiful. In Toulouse, Munich and everywhere. Respect our values Mazraoui!”
